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Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster ‘Lucidus’)

The Cotoneaster, also called the Hedge Cotoneaster or Shiny Cotoneaster is native to parts of northern Asia and adapted to tolerate colder weather. It has small, oval, dark green leaves changing to yellow, orange and red in autumn. The Cotoneaster is a deciduous, medium-sized tree with long, spreading branches. The flowers are pale-pink, small and clustered blooming in early June. The Cotoneaster grows an attractive, blackish pom fruit in early June, about half an inch in diameter, which ripens between September and October. The bark is tan in color and has a pattern resembling fishbone. Keep outdoors.

How To Take Proper Care Of Your Bonsai Tree

Bonsai is the reproduction of natural tree forms in miniature. This art form has
its origin in Japan and China where it has been practiced for centuries. Bonsai
are grown in pots and are totally dependent on you for their care.

With proper care, your bonsai will remain healthy, beautiful and miniature
for many years to come. Since your bonsai is a living miniature tree, it will
increase in beauty as it matures through the years. The instructions below are
just the basics and, therefore, we recommend that you purchase one of the many
fine books available on the subject.

PLACEMENT
A Cotoneaster Bonsai is a living miniature tree and not a house plant; therefore, your bonsai must be maintained in a cool/cold environment during the winter season. As a guide, around Thanksgiving Day it is time to prepare your Bonsai for its winter dormancy period which should last approximately three (3) months. This can be accomplished in several ways. One method is to bury your tree in the ground (preferably without the pot) up to the rim of the container and then mulch up to the first branch. It is best to choose a location that is protected from wind and sun, but not rain or snow. A second method which is also common is to place your tree(s) in an unheated garage or shed. During this time, your tree does not require light because it is in a dormant state; however, it will require watering approximately every two weeks. Throughout the spring, summer and fall your bonsai should be placed outside, such as on a patio, balcony, terrace, or in a garden. Once outside, your bonsai should be positioned where it will receive sufficient sun – morning sun and afternoon shade is best. A bonsai can be viewed best when it is placed approximately three to four feet high (eye level), such as on a table, wall or bench. A Wisteria bonsai can and should be brought into the house on special occasions and displayed in a prominent place. Your Wisteria Bonsai should not remain inside for more than a few days at a time, as the atmosphere is detrimental to the health of your tree.

WATERING
The watering of your Bonsai must never be neglected. Apply water when the soil appears dry -- never allow the soil to become completely dry. If your Bonsai is receiving full sun, it may be necessary to water once a day. This schedule may vary with the size pot, type of soil and type of Bonsai tree you own. Evaluate each tree's water requirements and adjust your watering schedule to accommodate it. It is a good idea to use a moisture meter until you get to know the requirements of your Bonsai tree. Watering should be done with a watering can or hose attachment which should dispense the water in a soft enough manner as not to disturb the soil. Water should be applied until it begins running out of the holes in the bottom of your pot. A good rain is usually a sufficient watering.

HUMIDITY
During the cold months, when your bonsai is inside, we recommend placing it
in a shallow tray filled with a layer of gravel with water added. This provides
extra moisture around the tree as the water evaporates and reduces the amount
of moisture lost to modern heating systems.

FERTILIZING
Fertilizing is also necessary if your bonsai is to remain healthy and beautiful.
Since your bonsai is growing in such a small amount of soil it is necessary
to replenish the soil's supply of nutrients periodically. Any general-purpose
liquid fertilizer will do fine and is available at most garden centers. We suggest
that fertilizers be used at half their recommended strength. Fertilizer should
be applied at least once a month except during winter. Your bonsai will also
respond well to foliar feeding, with a water-soluble fertilizer applied every
other month as a spray.

TRAINING
This brief explanation of basic care does not cover training. Training deals
with the art of bonsai and should be thoroughly understood before undertaking
-- or left to a professional. However, most of the true bonsai trees you find
have already been through their training period, thus requiring only periodic
trimming and pinching to remain miniature.

TRIMMING & PINCHING
Trimming and pinching keep your tree miniature. Pinch and trim back the new
growth to the farthest safe point. Never should all of the new growth be removed.
A little should be left to sustain the health of the tree. Tropical and sub-tropical
trees used for bonsai will require periodic pinching and trimming throughout
the year. Since different trees grow at different rates, it is necessary to
evaluate each tree’s rate of growth and adjust your trimming and pinching
to accommodate it.

REPOTTING
Repotting must be performed periodically on all bonsai when their root system
has filled the pot. The reasons for repotting are to supply your tree with fresh
soil, and to encourage a more compact root system. As a rule, most deciduous
trees require repotting every two or three years, while evergreens only need
to be repotted every four or five years. Since trees grow at different rates,
this schedule will not always hold true, therefore, you should examine your
tree's root system each year to determine if it has become pot-bound.

In most cases, the potting process is easy and safe if performed properly and
at the right time of the year. Repotting should be done in mid-summer. The tree,
along with all of its soil, should be removed from the pot. The outer and bottom
most fourth of the tree's root mass should be removed. This is done by raking
the soil away, then pruning back the roots. In most cases, it is not good to
prune back more than one fourth of the tree's root mass. After this, the tree
can be placed back in its original pot or into another. The pot should have
screen placed over the drainage holes. Then a thin layer of small gravel is
placed in the bottom of the pot for drainage purposes. On top of this gravel
is placed the new fresh soil. Place a layer of well-draining soil which is sufficient
enough to elevate the tree to its previous height in the pot. After placing
the tree back in the pot, the area left vacant by the pruned root mass should
be filled in with fresh soil. This fresh soil should be worked in around and
under the root mass in such a manner as to avoid leaving any air pockets. After
repotting, your bonsai should be thoroughly watered. This can be achieved by
submerging the entire pot in a tub of water. Moss or other ground covers can
be used to cover the surface of the pot to help prevent soil erosion when watering.

INSECTS & DISEASES
Since your bonsai is a tree in miniature, it can be treated for insects and
diseases the same as any other tree. If you discover any insects or diseases,
visit our website where you will be able to obtain the necessary products to
eliminate the problem.